Emergency Money

Dukes County was awarded $229,728 to support its 911 emergency dispatch communications center and enhance public safety. The grants came from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the 911 department.

The grant fund was created last year by the legislature and Gov. Deval Patrick, in a law creating a state 911 department and a single surcharge on each subscriber whose communication service is capable of accessing and using the 911 system in Massachusetts. Passage assured citizens would be able to call for police, fire or emergency medical services whenever and from wherever needed.